Granted that the Christmas season is a religious holiday, and I for one, am not religious, I am going to feebly attempt to justify my celebration of this occassion.

The holiday season is about so much more than a religous event. Its about throwing aside the hostility that we feel for others, and coming together and feeling as one giant family, no matter what religion you may practice (if any at all). Happiness for All, Goodwill towards Men. Do these matter to anyone anymore? Or, has Hallmark turned this into a totally materialistic, egocentric, greedfest competition to see how much shit someone can get under their tree of choice? If it has turned into such a decadent fiasco, then who is to blame?

Personally, I don't feel that we have degenerated into such a sorry state of me me me. When I was a child, Mother would always take me to Toys-R-Us, and have me pick out a toy, however, this toy wasn't for me, nor my cousins, nigh my friends. This was for some child, who happens to be less fortunate than I, and cannot rejoice in the spirit of giving to others when he has nothing of his own. Before I sat on Santa's lap, I had to put this present in the big ole bin, amongst the hundreds of other children who understood what the holidays were all about.

Nowadays, it seems like I am the one in need of charity, *stares at the figure on bank statement* however, I will still find a way to find a gift for an impoverished child, just because its the right thing to do during this time of good will.

I could be an isolated case, however, it gives me a much greater hope in humanity to think that I am not.

I think you definately have a good idea there about we need to have good will towards others and try to give to others, but I think the real important thing to remember here is why Christmas even started: CHRIST. You are right though, it seems every year this holiday gets more commercialized and the advertisements start earlier.

its people like you Maugan that reassure my faith in humanity.Thank you. I personally love the holidays, the giving to others, the feel of joy and happiness, and how human we all become b/c of it. I dont think that feeling of peace and love is lost in commericalism or the spending of money or me me me. I believe that mankind is truly great and unselfish during the holidays, and truly grateful.

I'm going to contact the local chapter of Toys for Tots tomorrow to see where they collect toys. I'm pretty sure they do it at the Naval REserve station on Western Blvd, right next to campus. In that case, it would be realtively simple to get some toys to them.

Well, it is indeed a noble idea. Peace and good cheer on earth. To help a child with a toy.....give them a christmas like that.....wouldn't that add to the general idea of materialism? That's weird. I know, I know, kids expect toys and stuff for christmas, but it would be better to let them know that they are not forgotten.....that someone cares. Perhaps with a toy, that can be achieved, but i don't know. Personally, Christmas seems a sad time. It has the potential to be wonderful, but for now, only the potential.

Many times, I have volunteered at the local homeless shelter in Concord. Why not try doing that. If you wish to give a gift too, do so, I am by no means telling you not to. well, not really. I just thought that i'd bring your attention to the materialist aspect. Food and the knowledge that they aren't alone and that people care........that's worth more than anything.

It is important to look after the less fortunate with physical needs and stuff too, but I think the bigger contribution is the joy they recieve from a gift that isn't so necessary, that is just for them.